Brandon Powell is hungry to build on his “surreal” experiences in the first team squad after penning a new contract at Rovers.
Powell’s new deal at Ewood Park runs through to June 2027 with the option of a further 12 months.
The full-back impressed for the Under-21 side this season and had loan spells in the non-league pyramid with Chorley and Altrincham.
Powell also made the bench for the senior squad three times in March and believes he has come a long way since the start of the campaign.
“It’s an extremely proud moment for me again,” he told the club. “I feel like I’ve had a really good season, getting on the bench for the first team a few times, which was quite a surreal moment and it just shows how close you can be.
“It gives you a reality check to know that you can do it and it was just a great experience to be around the lads and the environment of first team football.
“Hopefully now it gives me an opportunity for next season to push on even more, try to impress and try to get a spot in that first team.
“I’m excited for the opportunity in pre-season and I can’t wait to get going and to kick on again.
“The loan spell at Chorley was great and was an eye-opener into how men’s football is and how to deal with it, and it just showed the level that I can play at and I really enjoyed it.
“I think from the start of the season to now I’ve improved massively. I feel like I’ve come out of my shell and shown the coaching staff what I can do. There’s obviously a lot more still to come, but I’m pleased with how the season’s gone.”
Powell is eager to impress in pre-season and earn more opportunities in the first team, although he would also relish a loan in the EFL as part of his development.
“I just want to come back for pre-season really sharp and fit, show what I can do and what I can offer to the manager,” the 19-year-old added.
“Hopefully, I can impress enough to get a spot in the squad again. Alternatively, a good loan in League football would be a great option for me as well.
“I’ve been here for seven or eight years now and as a kid it seems so far away, but it’s gone so quick.
“I’m in the position now where I can try to push on to that, and to make my debut for this club would be brilliant and a great opportunity that I can’t wait for.”
Powell is the latest youngster to extend his stay at Ewood Park after George Pratt and Harley O’Grady-Macken both penned new deals.
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